U.S. patent application number 12/879403 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for radio control transmitter, a method for transmitting steering signal in the radio control transmitter.
Invention is credited to Masahiro Tanaka.
Application Number | 20110077801 12/879403 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43662722 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110077801 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tanaka; Masahiro |
March 31, 2011 |
Radio Control Transmitter, A Method For Transmitting Steering
Signal In The Radio Control Transmitter
Abstract
The channel assignment data is generated by assigning a channel
of the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B associated with
the same controlled object to a channel of the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A, and stored in the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A. The radio control transmitter for
the trainer 1A converts the channel of the received trainer signal
into the steering signal according to the channel assignment data,
and transmits the steering signal.
Inventors: |
Tanaka; Masahiro;
(Chouseigun, JP) |
Family ID: |
43662722 |
Appl. No.: |
12/879403 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 30/04 20130101;
G09B 9/048 20130101; G09B 9/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/2 |
International
Class: |
G05D 1/00 20060101
G05D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 29, 2009 |
JP |
2009-224612 |
Claims
1. A radio control transmitter comprising: a receiving device
configured to receive an indirect steering signal assigned to
operational data of an controlled object in each channel according
to a channel order which is set, said indirect steering signal
being sent by an external radio control transmitter, and said
indirect steering signal having the channel order which is set,
said channel order associating a channel with a controlled object;
a channel assignment data holding device configured to hold channel
assignment data which assigns the channels of a present radio
control transmitter to the channels of the external radio control
transmitter which are associated with the same controlled objects
under the above channel order; a channel converting device
configured to assign the channels of the present radio control
transmitter to the channels of the external radio control
transmitter corresponding to the operational data in the channel
assignment data in each operational data of the received indirect
steering signal; and a direct steering signal generating device
configured to receive the operational data in which at least the
channels of the present radio control transmitter are assigned by
the channel converting device, being configured to store the
received operational data as data of the channels which are
assigned, and being configured to generate a direct steering
signal.
2. The radio control transmitter as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising: an operation input device configured to input an
operation of assigning a channel of an outer radio control
transmitter associated with the same controlled object according to
the channel order to each of channels of the present radio control
transmitter; and a channel assignment data generating device
configured to generate a channel assignment data based on an input
result of the operation input device.
3. The radio control transmitter as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising: a steering operation corresponding device configured to
output an operational data including a channel assignment setting
according to the channel order of the present radio control
transmitter corresponding to a steering operation on the present
radio control transmitter; and a selecting device configured to
select any one of the operational data including the channel
assignment setting of the present radio control transmitter by the
steering operation corresponding device, and the operational data
including the channel assignment setting by the channel converting
device, and configured to send the selected operational data to the
direct steering signal generating device.
4. The radio control transmitter as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising: a steering operation corresponding device configured to
output an operational data including a channel assignment setting
according to the channel order of the present radio control
transmitter corresponding to a steering operation on the present
radio control transmitter; and a combining device configured to
combine the operational data including the channel assignment
setting of the present radio control transmitter by the steering
operation corresponding device, and the operational data including
the channel assignment setting by the channel converting device in
each of the same channel, and configured to send the combined data
to the direct steering signal generating device.
5. A radio control transmitter comprising: a channel association
data holding device configured to hold channel assignment data
which indicates an assignment between channels of a present radio
control transmitter and channels of an external radio control
transmitter associated with the same controlled objects under a
channel order which is set by associating the channels with the
controlled objects; a channel converting device configured to
assign the channels to operational data which is attained by an
operation to the controlled objects of the present radio control
transmitter, and configured to assign the channels of the external
radio control transmitter which indicates an assignment of the
channel of the present radio control transmitter in the channel
order assigned to the controlled object which is operated by the
channel assignment data; an indirect steering data generating
device configured to generate indirect steering data by assigning
the operational data to each channel according to an assignment
setting of the channel converting device; and an indirect steering
signal transmitting device configured to transmit the indirect
steering data to the external radio control transmitter which
transmits a direct steering signal to a steered object, said direct
steering signal being formed by assigning the operational data to
each channel according to an assignment of the operational data to
each channel in the inputted indirect steering signal.
6. A method for transmitting a steering signal in a radio control
transmitter comprising the steps of: receiving an indirect steering
signal assigned to operational data of an controlled object in each
channel according to a channel order which is set, said indirect
steering signal being sent by an external radio control
transmitter, and said indirect steering signal having the channel
order which is set, said channel order associating a channel with a
controlled object; holding a channel assignment data which assigns
the channels of a present radio control transmitter to the channels
of the external radio control transmitter which are associated with
the same controlled objects under the above channel order;
assigning the channels of the present radio control transmitter to
the channels of the external radio control transmitter
corresponding to the operational data in the channel assignment
data in each operational data of the received indirect steering
signal; and receiving the operational data in which at least the
channels of the present radio control transmitter are assigned by
the holding process, storing the received operational data as data
of the channels which are assigned, and generating a direct
steering signal.
7. A method for transmitting a steering signal in a radio control
transmitter comprising the steps of: holding channel assigning data
which indicates an assignment between channels of a present radio
control transmitter and channels of an external radio control
transmitter associated with the same controlled objects under a
channel order which is set by associating the channels with the
controlled objects; assigning the channels to operational data
which is attained by an operation to the controlled objects of the
present radio control transmitter, and assigning the channels of
the external radio control transmitter which indicates an
assignment of the channel of the present radio control transmitter
in the channel order assigned to the controlled object which is
operated by the channel assigning data; generating indirect
steering data by assigning the operational data to each channel
according to an assignment setting of the holding process; and
transmitting the indirect steering data to the external radio
control transmitter which transmits a direct steering signal to a
steered object, said direct steering signal being formed by
assigning the operational data to each channel according to an
assignment of the operational data to each channel in the inputted
indirect steering signal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a radio control transmitter
for a model plane, and relates to a method for transmitting
directly or indirectly a steering signal from the radio control
transmitter for steering a steered object.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Among the steered objects as radio control models, in
particular, a flying object such as an airplane or a helicopter is
hard to be controlled, and proficiency is needed for controlling
the flying object. Therefore, for allowing a beginner to practice
the steering without bringing down the flying object, a radio
control transmitter having a trainer function is known.
[0005] When using the trainer function, two radio control
transmitters are connected to each other with a cable for the
trainer function or a wireless communication for allowing the
communication for the trainer function.
[0006] One of the connected radio control transmitters works as a
radio control transmitter for a trainer which is controlled by the
trainer, and the other connected radio control transmitter works as
a radio control transmitter for a trainee which is controlled by
the trainee.
[0007] First, when the radio control transmitter for the trainee
which is set as a trainer mode is controlled, the radio control
transmitter for the trainee sends control data corresponding to a
control operation of the trainee to the radio control transmitter
for the trainer.
[0008] Further, a trainer switch is provided on the radio control
transmitter having the trainer function. The radio control
transmitter for the trainer can be switched between passive mode
and active mode corresponding to the operation of the trainer
switch.
[0009] On one hand, in the passive mode, the steering data as the
trainer signal inputted from the radio control transmitter for the
trainee is sent as the steering signal to the steered object from
an antenna 7 thereof. Accordingly, in the passive mode, the steered
object moves corresponding to a steering operation via the radio
control transmitter for the trainee.
[0010] On the other hand, in the active mode, the steering data
corresponding to the steering operation via the radio control
transmitter for the trainer is sent as the steering signal to the
steered object. In this case, the steering data corresponding to
the trainer signal from the radio control transmitter for the
trainee is not sent as the steering signal.
[0011] For example, when the trainer makes the trainee practice the
steering, the passive mode is selected. Thus, the steering signal
corresponding to the steering operation done by the trainee via the
radio control transmitter for the trainee is sent to the steered
object. Namely, the trainee can steer the steered object.
[0012] However, for example, when the trainee steers in the passive
mode, suppose that the trainee mistakes the steering operation and
the flight condition of the steered object becomes unstable.
Alternatively, suppose that there is a situation for doing a highly
difficult operation such as a landing operation.
[0013] At this time, the trainer switches the trainer switch to
switch from the passive mode to the active mode. In this way, even
when the trainee operates the radio control transmitter for trainee
1B, the steered object does not respond to the operation. Instead,
the steered object only responds to the steering operation via the
radio control transmitter for the trainer. Then, in the active
mode, for example, the trainer operates so as to stabilize the
flight condition, or operates to land the steered object.
[0014] In this way, using the trainer function, the trainee can
safely practice the steering without bringing down the steered
object or without a bad landing.
[0015] Further, in the radio control system for a model, one
channel is assigned to each individual control object (also called
as function). For example, when the steered object is a flying
object, aileron, elevator, and the like are typical as the
function. One channel is assigned to each of these functions. Such
a channel assignment is referred to as a channel order.
[0016] The steering signal sent from the radio control transmitter
is composed of control amount data obtained by the operation which
is assigned to each channel. The radio control transmitter encodes
a signal attained corresponding to the operation with respect to an
operational element as the control amount data, generates the
steering signal by assigning the control amount data to an
appropriate channel, and sends the steering data to the steered
object (a radio control receiver).
[0017] At the steered object side, correspondence relationship
between the channels and the control objects such as servo is set
according to the established channel order. In this way, at the
steered object side, an appropriate control object is driven based
on data in each channel of the steering signal received by the
radio control receiver. Thus, the steered object is moved according
to the operation of a pilot at the radio control transmitter
side.
[0018] [Patent Document 1] JP, A, H07-31751
[0019] Conventionally, it is a condition of the trainer function
that the radio control transmitter for trainer and the radio
control transmitter for the trainee have the same channel order.
Namely, in the trainer function, the number n of CH1 to CHn data in
the trainer signal sent from the radio control transmitter for the
trainee directly becomes CH1 to CHn data in the steering signal
sent from the radio control transmitter for the trainer.
[0020] However, in the current condition, the setting of the
channel order varies by types of the radio control transmitter.
Further, currently, the radio control transmitter of which channel
order is voluntarily changed by the user operation becomes known
for correspond individually to the steering style of each operator.
Accordingly, even if the type of the radio control transmitter is
the same, the channel order may be varied by the radio control
transmitter.
[0021] Suppose that using two radio control transmitters having
different channel orders as the radio control transmitters for
trainer and for trainee, the trainer function is performed.
Normally, the steered object has the channel order corresponding to
the radio control transmitter for the trainer. In this case, in the
passive mode, the radio control transmitter for the trainer sends
the steering signal according to the channel order of the trainer
signal from the radio control transmitter for the trainee. Then,
for example, the trainee intends to control the aileron, however,
other than the aileron of the steered object is moved, and the
steered object cannot be controlled according to the trainee's
plan.
[0022] For avoiding such an inconvenience, for example, if at least
one of the radio control transmitters for trainer and for trainee
can change the setting of the channel order, one of the channel
orders may be changed to be the same as the other channel order.
However, in reality, because the channel order change operation is
very complicated and troublesome, it is a substantial burden for a
user to operate this channel order change operation whenever using
the trainer function.
[0023] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to
resolve the trouble of the channel order difference between the
radio control transmitter for the trainer and the radio control
transmitter for the trainee when using the trainer function of such
as the radio control system for a model.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] In order to attain the object, according to the present
invention, there is provided a radio control transmitter
including:
[0025] a receiving device configured to receive an indirect
steering signal assigned to operational data of an controlled
object in each channel according to a channel order which is set,
said indirect steering signal being sent by an external radio
control transmitter, and said indirect steering signal having the
channel order which is set, said channel order associating a
channel with a controlled object;
[0026] a channel assignment data holding device configured to hold
channel assignment data which assigns the channels of a present
radio control transmitter to the channels of the external radio
control transmitter which are associated with the same controlled
objects under the above channel order;
[0027] a channel converting device configured to assign the
channels of the present radio control transmitter to the channels
of the external radio control transmitter corresponding to the
operational data in the channel assignment data in each operational
data of the received indirect steering signal; and
[0028] a direct steering signal generating device configured to
receive the operational data in which at least the channels of the
present radio control transmitter are assigned by the channel
converting device, being configured to store the received
operational data as data of the channels which are assigned, and
being configured to generate a direct steering signal.
[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a radio control transmitter including:
[0030] a channel association data holding device configured to hold
channel association data which indicates an association between
channels of a present radio control transmitter and channels of an
external radio control transmitter assigned to the same controlled
objects under a channel order which is set by associating the
channels with the controlled objects;
[0031] a channel converting device configured to assign the
channels to operational data which is attained by an operation to
the controlled objects of the present radio control transmitter,
and configured to assign the channels of the external radio control
transmitter which indicates an assignment of the channel of the
present radio control transmitter in the channel order assigned to
the controlled object which is operated by the channel association
data;
[0032] an indirect steering data generating device configured to
generate indirect steering data by assigning the operational data
to each channel according to an assignment setting of the channel
converting device; and
[0033] an indirect steering signal transmitting device configured
to transmit the indirect steering data to the external radio
control transmitter which transmits a direct steering signal to an
steered object, said direct steering signal being formed by
assigning the operational data to each channel according to an
assignment of the operational data to each channel in the inputted
indirect steering signal.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0034] According to the above, the present invention allows the
direct steering signal converted to the channel order setting of
the radio control transmitter for the trainer corresponding to the
operation of the radio control transmitter for the trainee to
transmit. In this way, even if the channel orders of the radio
control transmitters for the trainer and for the trainee are
different, the steered object can be appropriately moved according
to an operation done by the radio control transmitter for the
trainee.
[0035] Further, when converting the channel, for example, the
channel association data which indicates the association between
the channels of the present radio control transmitter and the
channels of the external radio control transmitter which are
associated with the same controlled objects. In this way, it
becomes unnecessary to change the channel order, and an operational
burden of a user is drastically reduced.
[0036] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the
following detailed description along with the accompanied
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective showing an example of an exterior
appearance of a radio control transmitter according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a table showing an example of a channel order set
in a radio control system;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an example of a steering
signal (trainer signal) in PPM signal format;
[0040] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view for explaining a general
outline of a trainer function;
[0041] FIGS. 5A to 5C are block diagrams showing functional
structural examples corresponding to operational modes of the radio
control transmitter for the trainer in the trainer function;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of the channel orders
set in the radio control transmitters for the trainer and for the
trainee;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of a result of a
channel conversion process according to the embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a system
configuration of the radio control transmitters for the trainer and
for the trainee corresponding to a first example of a channel
conversion function according to the embodiment;
[0045] FIGS. 9A to 9C are tables showing examples of an operational
screen for channel assignment;
[0046] FIG. 10 is a table showing an example of a channel
assignment table generated by the channel assignment;
[0047] FIGS. 11A and 11B are block diagrams showing functional
structural examples when the first example of the channel
conversion function according to the embodiment is applied to
second and third modes;
[0048] FIG. 12 shows a timing chart of an example of the trainer
signal and the steering signal in the PPM signal format
corresponding to the channel conversion process
[0049] FIG. 13 is a view showing a frame format of the channel
conversion process corresponding to the steering signal in 2.4 GHz
range;
[0050] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a system
configuration of the radio control transmitters for the trainer and
for the trainee corresponding to a second example of the channel
conversion function according to the embodiment; and
[0051] FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing a functional structural
example of the radio control transmitter for the trainee
corresponding to the second example of the channel conversion
function.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] Hereinafter an embodiment of the present invention will be
sequentially explained with reference to a table of contents.
[0053] 1. An example of an exterior appearance of a radio control
transmitter
[0054] 2. Regarding a channel order
[0055] 3. An outline of a trainer function
[0056] 4. Operative mode of a radio control transmitter for the
trainer in the trainer function
[0057] 5. Problems in a conventional trainer function
[0058] 6. A channel conversion function according to this
embodiment: Outline
[0059] 7. The channel conversion function according to this
embodiment: A first example
[0060] [7-1. System configuration]
[0061] [7-2. Channel assignment operation]
[0062] [7-3. Channel conversion process configuration in a second
mode (function mode)]
[0063] [7-4. Channel conversion process configuration in a third
mode (mix mode)]
[0064] [7-5. Steering signal process corresponding to the channel
conversion process]
[0065] 8. The channel conversion function according to this
embodiment: A second example
1. An Example of an Exterior Appearance of a Radio Control
Transmitter
[0066] This embodiment of the present invention is applied to a
radio control transmitter in a radio control system for a model.
The radio control system is composed of a model steered object
having the radio control transmitter, a radio control receiver, a
servo and the like.
[0067] FIG. 1 shows an example of an exterior appearance of the
radio control transmitter 1 for a model which can be used as a
radio control transmitter for the trainer or for the trainee having
the trainer function of this embodiment. The radio control
transmitter 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is so-called stick type. A steered
object having the radio control receiver and the servo
corresponding to the radio control transmitter 1 is a flying object
such as model airplane or model helicopter.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 1, a left stick lever 2L and a right stick
lever 2R are provided on a front panel of the radio control
transmitter 1. When an operator operates by tilting the left stick
lever 2L and the right stick lever 2R up, down, left, or right, a
steering signal having a control amount corresponding to the
operation is transmitted from the radio control transmitter 1 to
the steered object. In this way, for example, nose-up, nose-down,
change of direction, speed of the steered object as the flying
object can be controlled. For example, operations of up, down,
left, and right of the left stick lever 2L and the right stick
lever 2R are assigned to one specific channel.
[0069] Further, a display screen 3 is provided below the left stick
lever 2L and the right stick lever 2R on the front panel of the
radio control transmitter 1. This display screen 3 is, for example,
a display for displaying an image in a display device, and displays
various setting screens or a control condition when steering the
steered object.
[0070] Further, an operation on an image displayed on the display
screen 3 can be done by a display operational element 4 disposed on
the right side of the display screen 3. In this way, various
setting operation can be done as well as later-described channel
matching operation for matching the channel orders of the radio
control transmitters for the trainer and for the trainee. Further,
a touch panel may be combined with the display screen 3. The
operation on the display image can be done by the touch panel
operation.
[0071] Further, dial operational elements 5a to 5c, push switches
5d to 5e are also provided on the radio control transmitter 1.
Proper parameters or channels can be assigned to these operational
elements by, for example, a user setting operation.
[0072] An antenna 7 is provided for transmitting the steering
signal to be sent to the steered object as a radio wave. When the
radio control transmitters for the trainer and for the trainee
transmit and receive via a radio channel, this antenna 7 is used
for transmitting and receiving the radio wave between the radio
control transmitters for the trainer and for the trainee.
2. Regarding a Channel Order
[0073] In the radio control system for a model, one channel (CH) is
assigned to each individual controlled object (also referred to as
a function). This assignment setting of the controlled object with
regard to the channel is also referred to as a channel order.
[0074] For example, in the radio control transmitter 1 of this
embodiment, up to 8 channels can be used. In this case, the radio
control transmitter 1 can control, for example, up to 8 servos.
[0075] FIG. 2 shows an example of the assignment setting between
channel numbers and controlled objects as the channel orders. As
shown in FIG. 2, an elevator is assigned to CH1, a rudder is
assigned to CH2, a throttle is assigned to CH3, an aileron is
assigned to CH4, a second aileron is assigned to CH5, a flap is
assigned to CH6, a gear is assigned to CH7, and CH8 is a
reserve.
[0076] Further, as the steering signal transmitted from the radio
control transmitter 1 to the steered object, several methods and
formats are known. For example, FIG. 3 shows a PPM (Pulse Position
Modulation) signal as the steering signal. Incidentally, this PPM
steering signal also corresponds to 8 channels.
[0077] In the PPM steering signal, a reset pulse Prs rises up at
the beginning of one period. A channel pulse Pch1 corresponding to
CH1 rises up after a lapse of specific time Trs which is
predetermined as a reset section from the time when the reset pulse
rises up. Namely, the next pulse is recognized as the channel pulse
Pch1 when the next pulse rises up after a lapse of specific time
Trs from one pulse which rises up.
[0078] Then, a channel pulse Pch2 corresponding to CH2 rises up
after a lapse of specific time T1 next to the channel pulse Pch1.
Similarly, after a lapse of specific time T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
channel pulses Pch3, Pch4, Pch5, Pch6, Pch7, Pch8 corresponding to
CH3, CH4, CH5, CH6, CH7, CH8 sequentially rise up. Then, after a
lapse of specific time T8 from the time when the channel pulse Pch8
rises up, the reset pulse Prs of the next period rises up.
Incidentally, depending on the number of channels, one period of
the PPM steering signal is about 20 msec.
[0079] In this way, in the PPM signal, the time T1 to T8 as pulse
intervals are attained in each of channel pulses Pch1 to Pch8. Each
of these pulse intervals as the time T1 to T8 indicates a control
amount of the function assigned respectively corresponding to CH1
to CH8.
[0080] Regarding a relationship between the channel order shown in
FIG. 2 and the control amount, for example, when an operator
operates to move the elevator with the radio control transmitter 1,
a pulse interval of the channel pulse Pch1 corresponding to CH1,
namely, the length of the time T1 in the steering signal is set
based on the control amount of the operation. Further, for example,
when an operator operates the throttle with the radio control
transmitter 1, the length of the time T3 as the pulse interval of
the channel pulse Pch3 corresponding to CH3 is set corresponding to
the control amount of the throttle which is operated.
[0081] When the radio control receiver receives the above steering
signal, the radio control receiver decodes the time as pulse
interval T1 to T8, and calculating the control amounts
corresponding to CH1 to CH8. Then, controlled objects assigned
respectively to CH1 to CH8 such as servo are driven according to
the control amount.
3. An Outline of a Trainer Function
[0082] The radio control transmitter 1 of this embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 deals with the trainer function, and can work as the radio
control transmitter for the trainer or for the trainee.
[0083] A basic operation of the trainer function will be explained
with reference to FIG. 4. When using the trainer function, two
radio control transmitters 1 are communicably connected to each
other with a specific transmission channel 100 dealing with the
trainer function. In reality, the transmission channel 100 may be a
cable or may be wireless.
[0084] After a proper operation, one of the radio control
transmitters 1 works as a radio control transmitter for the trainer
1A, the other works as a radio control transmitter for the trainee
1B. Then, a trainer controls the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A, and a trainee controls the radio control transmitter
for the trainee 1B. Further, typically, a user may change the
settings such as later-described channel order of the radio control
transmitter for the user's convenience. In particular, a skilled
user may further change the settings. Further, the steered object
needs to adjust according to the changed settings of the radio
control transmitter. Upon a training using the trainer function,
firstly, because it is necessary to avoid a serious fault such as a
falling due to the trainee's steering, normally, a steered object
10 which is adjusted according to the settings of the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A is used.
[0085] When the trainer function is valid, firstly, the radio
control transmitter for the trainee 1B does not transmit the
steering signal. Instead, a signal having control amount data
(operational data) corresponding to the steering operation is
transmitted to the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A via
the transmission channel 100. This signal transmitted from the
radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B to the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A via the transmission channel 100 is
a trainer signal (indirect steering signal) and is separated from
the steering signal transmitted to the steered object (direct
steering signal). Incidentally, the control amount data includes: a
value corresponding to the operational amount of such as a lever
stick; and data merely indicating on/off of a specific
function.
[0086] Further, as a format of the trainer signal, a proper format
may be defined corresponding to a system of the transmission
channel 100. For example, the above-explained PPM signal can be
applied. In particular, when the transmission channel 100 is a
cable, so-called trainer cable, the PPM signal is often used as the
trainer signal.
[0087] When the trainer function is valid, next, an operation of a
trainer switch 6 is valid at the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A. It can switch between the above-described passive mode
and active mode by the operation of the trainer switch 6.
[0088] On one hand, in the passive mode, the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A can transmit the steering signal
corresponding to the trainer signal transmitted via the
transmission channel 100. On the other hand, in the active mode,
even when the trainer signal is transmitted from the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B via the transmission channel 100,
the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A does not transmit
the steering signal corresponding to the trainer signal. Instead,
the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A transmits the
trainer side steering signal generated corresponding to an
operation on the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A.
[0089] For example, when the trainer function is valid, normally,
the trainer sets the passive mode to allow the trainee to steer the
steered object 10. However, when the flight condition is unstable
by the trainee's operation, or upon a difficult control situation
such as landing, the trainer switches from the passive mode to the
active mode to allow the trainer to steer the steered object
corresponding to the trainer's operation on the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A. In this way, owing to the trainer
function, the trainee can practice the steering under a condition
that the trainer can assist at any time.
4. Operative Mode of a Radio Control Transmitter for the Trainer in
the Trainer Function
[0090] Further, when the trainer function of this embodiment is
valid, the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A runs any
one of the first to the third operative modes schematically shown
in FIGS. 5A to 5C. Incidentally, the mode selection among the first
to the third modes is done by, for example, the operator's
operation. Further, each operative mode in FIGS. 5A to 5C shows a
basic configuration, and as described later, the second and the
third modes of FIGS. 5B, 5C includes later-described configurations
of FIGS. 11A, 11B corresponding to the channel conversion function
(the first example) of this embodiment.
[0091] First, FIG. 5A shows schematically the first mode (normal
mode) operation. An operational signal generating unit 40 shown in
FIG. 5A generates the operational signal in which the channels are
assigned according to the channel order set by the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A corresponding to the steering
operation with the operational element mounted on the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A. The operational signal generated
here having the channel data is inputted to an encoder 41. The
encoder 41 calculates the control amount of the controlled object
(for example, servo) from the inputted operational signal per
channel as an encode processing. Then, the calculated control
amount data (steering data) is assigned to the channel, and a base
of the steering signal is generated and outputted to a selector 42.
The selector selects any one of the signal from the encoder 41 and
the trainer signal transmitted from the radio control transmitter
for the trainee 1B. This signal selection corresponds to an
operation on the trainer switch 6. Namely, the selector 42 selects
the trainer signal when the passive mode is set by the operation on
the trainer switch 6, and selects the signal from the encoder 41
when the active mode is set. Thus, the signal selected by the
selector 42 is outputted to the steered object as the steering
signal.
[0092] FIG. 5B shows the second mode (function mode). In the second
mode, the operational signal generated by the operational signal
generating unit 40 is firstly outputted to the selector 42. In this
case also, the selector 42 outputs the trainer signal when the
passive mode is set, and outputs the operational signal from the
operational signal generating unit 40 when the active mode is set
corresponding to the operation on the trainer switch 6. In this
case, an output of the selector 42 is outputted to the encoder 41.
When the operational signal from the operational signal generating
unit 40 is inputted, the encoder 41 encodes the operational signal
and outputted the encoded signal as the steering signal. When the
trainer signal is inputted, the encoder 41 converts the format of
the trainer signal which is inputted as necessary, and outputs the
converted signal as the steering signal.
[0093] FIG. 5C shows the third mode (mix mode). In the third mode,
the operational signal outputted from the operational signal
generating unit 40 is inputted into a combiner 43. The combiner 43
combines the operational signal and the trainer signal according to
a specific combining ratio, and outputs the combined signal to the
encoder 41. The encoder 41 encodes the inputted signal and outputs
as the steering data. In this case, the steering data is a
combination of the control amount corresponding to the operation on
the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A, and the control
amount corresponding to the operation on the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B. This third mode is used in a case
that while the trainee steers, the trainer subsidiarily steers to
correct the flight condition. Namely, in the third mode, even in
the passive mode, the operation on the radio control transmitter
for the trainer 1A is reflected to the flight condition.
Incidentally, in the active mode, the steering signal only
corresponding to the operation on the radio control transmitter for
the trainer 1A is outputted for safety's sake. Namely, the combiner
43 sets the combining ratio so as to output the steering signal
only from the operational signal generating unit 40 to the encoder
41.
5. Problems in a Conventional Trainer Function
[0094] By the way, in the conventional trainer function, in the
passive mode, when the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A
outputs the steering signal based on the trainer signal from the
radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B, the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A reflects the channel order set by
the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B without change.
Namely, the control amount of CH1 to CHn in the trainer signal is
replaced with the control amount of CH1 to CHn in the steering
signal without change.
[0095] However, as described above, in a current aspect, the
channel orders of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A
and of the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B may be not
the same, and may be different from each other.
[0096] For example, it goes without saying that the default setting
of the channel order varies by types of the radio control
transmitters, in particular, recently, a radio control transmitter
of which channel order can be changeable by a user setting has
become common. A user can customize the setting to fit the radio
control transmitter to user's steering by changing the channel
order. Accordingly, the channel order is more often changed as the
operator's skill increases. On the contrary, a beginner often uses
the default setting channel order without change. Under such a
condition, it frequently occurs that the channel orders of the
trainer and of the trainee are different from each other.
[0097] FIG. 6 shows a concrete example that the channel orders of
the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A and of the radio
control transmitter for the trainee 1B are different from each
other. In FIG. 6, an example of the channel order of the radio
control transmitter for the trainee 1B is shown in the left side of
the paper. An example of the channel order of the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A is shown in the right side of the
paper. In this case, the channel order of the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A is the same as the channel order
shown in FIG. 2. On the contrary, the channel order of the radio
control transmitter for the trainee 1B is CH1:aileron,
CH2:elevator, CH3:throttle, CH4:rudder, CH5:gear, CH6:flap,
CH7:2.sup.nd aileron and CH8:reserve. In this case, CH3:throttle
and CH6:flap are the same, but other channels are different.
[0098] Under a condition that the channel orders of the radio
control transmitter for the trainer 1A and of the radio control
transmitter for the trainee are different from each other, suppose
that the steering signal is transmitted in the passive mode
according to the channel order of the radio control transmitter for
the trainee 1B similar to the above. Incidentally, when using the
trainer function, typically, the steered object having the setting
corresponding to the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A,
namely, the radio control transmitter which transmits the steering
signal is used. In this embodiment also, such a steered object is
used.
[0099] Under this condition, suppose that the trainee operates in
an effort to move the aileron. According to the example in FIG. 6,
CH1 is assigned to the aileron in the radio control transmitter for
the trainee 1B, and the control amount corresponding to the
operation of aileron is transmitted via CH1 of the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B. The radio control transmitter for
the trainer 1A transmits the control amount data of CH1 as the
steering signal of CH1 data without change. However, in the radio
control transmitter for the trainer 1A, CH1 is assigned to the
elevator. Resultingly, the operation for the aileron operated at
the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B moves the elevator
of the steered object. Namely, if this goes on, in the passive
mode, the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B cannot
properly steer the steered object.
[0100] Such a problem also occurs in any one of the first to third
modes shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C. In the first mode shown in FIG. 5A,
when the selector 42 selects the trainer signal, the trainer signal
is outputted as the steering signal in a manner that the trainer
signal passes through the radio control transmitter for the trainer
1A. Naturally, each of CH1 to CH8 of the trainer signal is
reflected in each of CH1 to CH8 of the steering signal without
change. Further, in the second and third mode shown in FIGS. 5B and
5C, although the trainer signal passes through the encoder 41, in
the encoder 41, data of CH1 to CH8 of the trainer signal is
replaced with data of CH1 to CH8 of the steering data without
change. Accordingly, each of CH1 to CH8 of the trainer signal is
reflected in each of CH1 to CH8 of the steering signal without
change.
[0101] For solving such a problem, for example, as described above,
if any one of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A and
the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B can change the
channel order, the channel orders can be matched. Namely, after
confirming both of channel orders, the radio control transmitter of
which channel order is changeable matches the channel order of its
own to the channel order of the mating radio control
transmitter.
[0102] However, this operation for changing the channel order is
practically very complicated. For example, when changing the
channel order at the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A
side, the setting of the steered object also must be changed
corresponding to the channel order change such as servo
connection.
[0103] Further, as data related to the channel, the settings of end
point, fail safe, sub trim or the like are known. The end point
means a range of a rudder angle. The fail safe sets a motion of the
steered object when the receiver cannot receive the steering
signal, for example, due to jamming of the steering signal, or due
to low battery charge. The sub trim concerns a fine adjustment of
the servo when the operational element is in a neutral position.
These parameters also should be replaced corresponding to the
changed channels when the channel order is changed.
[0104] In this way, when the channel order is changed, the
operations for the channel order change are very complicated, and
troublesome for a user. Further, a setting mistake tends to take
place.
[0105] Further, in the radio control transmitter 1 of this
embodiment, a setting so-called mixing can be set. The mixing is a
function to provide a predetermined control amount to the other
controlled object in conjunction with an operation on a main
channel, said main channel being a channel corresponding to a
specific controlled object. This mixing function is often used in a
tailless airplane as the steered object. Incidentally, these
channels in conjunction with the main channel are referred to as
virtual channels. The control amount of the virtual channel is
generated by the encoder 41 of the radio control transmitter for
the trainer 1A corresponding to an operation on the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A, and is assigned to the channel of
the steering signal according to the channel order. However, in the
conventional trainer function, when the operational data of the
trainer signal is inputted, the encoder 41 simply assigns the
control amount as the operational data to the channel of the
steering signal and transmits. Accordingly, in not only the first
mode shown in FIG. 5A but also the second and third modes shown in
FIGS. 5B and 5C, the steering signal corresponding to the trainer
signal input does not include the control amount data corresponding
to the virtual channel. Namely, in the trainer function, the mixing
cannot work corresponding to the operation on the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B.
6. A Channel Conversion Function According to this Embodiment
Outline
[0106] Accordingly, in the radio control transmitter 1 of this
embodiment, for solving the above-described problem, a
later-described channel conversion function is provided
corresponding to the trainer function.
[0107] The channel conversion conceptually means to replace the
channels under the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B
side channel order with the channels under the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A side channel order. Further,
according to this replacement result, the operational data in each
channel of the trainer signal is assigned to the channels of the
steering signal, and then the data is transmitted to the steered
object.
[0108] FIG. 7 shows an example of the channel conversion of this
embodiment in the channel order shown in FIG. 6. CH1 set at the
radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B side in FIG. 7 is
taken for example. In the radio control transmitter for the trainee
1B, aileron is assigned to this CH1. Under this condition, suppose
that an operation on the radio control transmitter for the trainee
1B with regard to this CH1:aileron is operated. In the radio
control transmitter for the trainer 1A, as shown in FIG. 7, aileron
is assigned to CH4. There, the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A assigns the operational data (control amount data)
corresponding to the operation on aileron to CH4 of the steering
signal according to an arrow in FIG. 7, and transmits the steering
signal to the steered object. Further, suppose that an operation is
operated on elevator assigned to CH2 of the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B. In the radio control transmitter
for the trainer 1A, elevator is assigned to CH1. There, the radio
control transmitter for the trainer 1A assigns the operational data
corresponding to the elevator operation to CH1 of the steering
signal, and transmits the steering signal to the steered object.
Similarly, when the operations corresponding to throttle, rudder,
gear, flap, 2.sup.nd aileron, and (reserve) assigned to CH3 to CH8
is operated at the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B,
the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A assigns the
operational data corresponding to these controlled objects to CH3,
CH2, CH7, CH6, CH5, and (CH8), and transmits.
[0109] Namely, in the trainer function, the steering operation is
operated under the channel order at the radio control transmitter
for the trainee 1B side. In the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A receiving the trainer signal corresponding to this
operation, resultingly, the steering signal in which the
operational data is assigned to the channels under the channel
order set at the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A side
is transmitted.
[0110] In this way, when the steering signal is transmitted after
the channel conversion, even if the channel order of the radio
control transmitter for the trainee 1B is different from the
channel order of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A,
the steered object is properly steered with the steering signal
corresponding to the trainer signal of the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B.
7. The Channel Conversion Function According to this Embodiment
A First Example
[0111] [7-1. System Configuration]
[0112] Two examples, the first example and the second example are
given as a configuration for realizing the above channel conversion
according to this embodiment. Firstly, the first example will be
explained. FIG. 8 shows a system configuration of the radio control
transmitters for the trainer 1A and for the trainee 1B
corresponding to the first example. First, in the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A, a control unit 21a, a memory 22a, a
transmitting unit 23a, a communication unit corresponding to
trainer function 24a, a display unit 25a, and an operating unit 26a
are shown. The control unit 21a has, for example, a CPU, and
executes various control processings of the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A.
[0113] The memory 22a stores data which the control unit 21a uses.
A program which is executed by the control unit 21a (CPU) and
various data used for control processing by the control unit 21a
are examples of the data stored in the memory 22a. In FIG. 8,
channel order data 27a, steering related data 27b, channel
corresponding table 27c are shown as the data stored in the memory
22a.
[0114] The channel order data 27a indicates the contents of the
channel order set in the radio control transmitter for the trainer
1A. Namely, as shown in right sides of FIGS. 6 and 7, a
relationship between the controlled object and the cannel number is
shown.
[0115] The steering related data 27b is composed of control values
such as end point, fail safe, and sub trim which are reflected to
the steering data of specific channel in the steering signal as
necessary. Further, the steering related data 27b also includes
data of virtual channels obtained corresponding to the setting of
mixing.
[0116] The channel corresponding table 27c indicates a relationship
between the channels assigned to the controlled objects as a
correspondence relationship between the channel orders of the radio
control transmitters for the trainer 1A and for the trainee 18 as
described later. This channel corresponding table 27c is generated
corresponding to a later-described assignment of channels with
regard to the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A. The
result of the channel assignment reflects the contents of the
channel corresponding table 27c.
[0117] The transmitting unit 23a executes a transmission of a
signal to be transmitted to the steered object, namely, the
steering signal. For example, the control unit 21a passes
transmitting data as the steering signal to the transmitting unit
23a. The control unit 21a executes a specific modulation of the
received transmitting data, and transmits the data as the steering
signal from an antenna 7a.
[0118] The communication unit corresponding to trainer function 24a
communicates with the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B
via the transmission channel 100 formed corresponding to the
trainer function. For example, the trainer signal is transmitted
via the transmission channel 100 from the radio control transmitter
for the trainee 1B. The communication unit corresponding to trainer
function 24a receives the trainer signal, converts the trainer
signal into a signal which is processable in the control unit 21a,
and sends the signal to the control unit 21a. When the trainer
signal is validly set, the control unit 21a transmits the steering
signal into which the control amount data of the received trainer
signal is reflected. In the first example, before the steering
signal is transmitted, the channel conversion is executed as
described later.
[0119] The display unit 25a is composed of a specific display
device, and an image is displayed on the display unit 25a by a
display control of the control unit 21a. A panel on the display
unit 25a on which the image is displayed corresponds to the display
screen 3 shown in FIG. 1. Incidentally, the display device used in
the display unit 25a is not limited, however, under the present
condition, an LCD display, an organic EL display or the like can be
used.
[0120] The operating unit 26a includes various operational elements
mounted on the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A in a
lump. When one of the operational elements composing the operating
unit 26a is operated, an operational signal corresponding to the
operational element is inputted to the control unit 21a. The
control unit 21a executes a proper processing corresponding to the
inputted operational signal. For example, when the trainer function
is invalid, or in the active mode of the trainer function, for
example, the stick lever (2L, 2R) is operated, the control unit 21a
encodes for calculating the control amount corresponding to this
operation, and generates the steering data in which the control
amount data (operational data) is assigned to the proper channel
according to the channel order shown in the channel order data 27a.
Then, this steering signal is transmitted to the steered object by
the transmitting unit 23a.
[0121] Incidentally, the configurations of the operational signal
generating unit 40, the encoder 41, the selector 42, and the
combiner 43 in the first to third mode shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C are
identified as the processings executed by the control unit 21a.
[0122] Next, the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B (the
radio control transmitter 1 for the trainee) shown in FIG. 8
includes a control unit 21b, a display unit 25b, a memory 22b, a
transmitting unit 23b, a communication unit corresponding to
trainer function 24b, a display unit 25b, and a operating unit 26b
similar to the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A.
However, in the first example of the channel conversion function,
the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B does not include
the channel corresponding table 27c. In this case, the memory 22b
of the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B includes the
channel order data 27d. The channel order data 27d includes a
content indicating the channel order set at the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B side as shown in the left sides of
FIGS. 6 and 7. Incidentally, the radio control transmitter for the
trainee 1B may include the steering related data, however, the
steering related data is omitted here in the memory 22.
[0123] Further, for the sake of convenience, in the later
explanation, the channel order setting indicated by the channel
order data 27a in the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A
is the same as the right sides of FIGS. 6 and 7. Similarly, the
channel order setting indicated by the channel order data 27d in
the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B is the same as the
left sides of FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0124] [7-2. Channel Assignment Operation]
[0125] As described above, in the first example of the channel
conversion processing according to this embodiment, the memory 22
of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A stores the
channel corresponding table 27c corresponding to the trainer
function. The channel corresponding table 27c is created by a user
operating a channel assignment of the radio control transmitter for
the trainer 1A.
[0126] A concrete example of the channel assignment will be
explained with reference to FIG. 9. For example, the operator
(user) as a trainer operates the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A to display an operational screen for the channel
assignment on the display screen 3 as shown in FIG. 9A. The left
side of the display screen 3 in FIG. 9A is a trainer side setting
contents display area 3a. In this trainer side setting contents
display area 3a, "TRAINER" is displayed at the top. Then, one
controlled object name is assigned to each of CH1 to CH8 below the
top. This shows the channel order set in the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A. Incidentally, the channel order of
the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A shown in FIGS. 9A
to 9C is the same as the channel order shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0127] Next, the right side of the display screen 3 is a channel
assignment operational area 3b. In the channel assignment
operational area 3b, "STU. CH" is displayed at the top indicating
that the channel numbers displayed here are the channel order of
the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B. Further, one
channel number is assigned to each of CH1 to CH8 at the trainer
side setting contents display area 3a below the top. These channel
numbers indicates the channel numbers of the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B assigned to CH1 to CH8 of the
trainer side setting contents display area 3a. Further, in the
channel assignment operational area 3b, a highlighting frame 30 is
disposed. This highlighting frame 30 moves among the channel
numbers displayed per column in the channel assignment operational
area 3b corresponding to the operation. A user can change the
channel number on the column at which the highlighting frame 30 is
disposed.
[0128] For example, suppose that the operator for operating the
channel assignment is a trainer. Previously the trainer has known
the channel order of the radio control transmitter for the trainee
1B by, for example, asking the trainee. Here, suppose that the
trainer is going to set the channel of the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B corresponding to CH1 of the radio
control transmitter for the trainer 1A. Then, as shown in FIG. 9A,
the trainer moves the highlighting frame 30 on the first column in
the channel assignment operational area 3b. According to the
content in the trainer side setting contents display area 3a of
FIG. 9A, elevator is assigned to CH1. On the other hand, elevator
is assigned to CH2 of the radio control transmitter for the trainee
1B (FIGS. 6 and 7). So, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the trainer
changes the channel number of the first column in the channel
assignment operational area 3b into CH2.
[0129] Next, suppose that the trainer is going to assign the
channel of the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B to CH2
of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A. Rudder is
assigned to CH2 of the radio control transmitter for the trainer
1A, however, rudder is assigned to CH4 of the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B. So, the trainer moves the
highlighting frame 30 to the second column in the channel
assignment operational area 3b, and changes the channel number on
the second column into CH4. Similarly, the trainer assigns one
channel to each of CH3 to CH8 of the radio control transmitter for
the trainer 1A. Thus, with the channel assignment operation, the
channel of the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B
associated with the same controlled object to each of the channels
of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A. After the
channel assignment operation is finished, the display screen 3 is
shown as FIG. 9C. With reference to FIG. 7, in the channel
assignment operational area 3b of FIG. 9C, the channel number of
the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B associated with
the same controlled object is set in every column corresponding to
the channel number of the radio control transmitter for the trainer
1A shown in the trainer side setting contents display area 3a. For
example, the trainer checks the contents shown on the display
screen 3 as shown in FIG. 9C, and confirms the settings, then
operates a decision operation.
[0130] After the decision operation of the channel assignment is
done, the control unit 21a generates the channel corresponding
table 27c shown in FIG. 10, and makes the memory 22a store the
channel corresponding table 27c. In the channel corresponding table
27c shown in FIG. 10, one conversion channel is assigned to each of
CH1 to CH8 as the trainee side channels. Here, the conversion
channels are the channel numbers of the radio control transmitter
for the trainer 1A associated with the same controlled objects
corresponding to CH1 to CH8 of the trainee side channels. The
relationship between the trainee side channels and the conversion
channels in the channel corresponding table 27c is the same as the
relationship between the trainer side setting contents display area
3a and the channel assignment operational area 3b shown in FIG. 9.
Namely, this channel corresponding table 27c indicates the
relationship between the channels of the radio control transmitter
for the trainer 1A and of the radio control transmitter for the
trainee 1B shown in FIG. 9C by arranging the channels of the radio
control transmitter for the trainee 1B sequentially, and assigning
the channels of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A
thereto.
[0131] [7-3. Channel Conversion Process Configuration in a Second
Mode (Function Mode)]
[0132] As previously explained with FIGS. 5A to 5C, in the trainer
function, the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A operates
under any one of the first to third modes. The first example of the
channel conversion function according to this embodiment at least
applies to the second mode.
[0133] FIG. 11A shows a structural example in a case that the
channel conversion function as the first example of this embodiment
applies to the second mode. Incidentally, in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the
same reference signs are used in the same parts as FIG. 5B.
[0134] Similar to FIG. 5B, firstly, the operational signal
generating unit 40, the selector 42, and the encoder 41 are shown
in FIG. 11A. For example, in the active mode of the trainer
function, the operational signal generating unit 40 outputs the
trainer signal in which the channels are assigned according to the
channel order indicated by the channel order data 27a of the radio
control transmitter for the trainer 1A. Here, the channel order
data 27a also indicates a relationship of the operational element
assigned to the controlled object of each channel. The operational
signal generating unit 40 can recognize the channel to be assigned
to the steering signal by the relationship between the operational
elements and the channels corresponding to the steering signal
indicated by the channel order data 27a. The selector 42 selects
the steering signal from the operational signal generating unit 40,
and outputs to the encoder 41. At this time, the operational signal
generating unit 40 assigns the steering signal corresponding to one
controlled object to one channel according to the channel order
indicated by the channel order data 27a of the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A, and outputs the steering signal to
the encoder 41.
[0135] On this basis, as shown in FIG. 11A, a channel conversion
processing unit 44 is provided on a pre-stage of the input of the
trainer signal to the selector 42. Incidentally, in FIG. 8, the
channel conversion processing unit 44 can be identified as a
function executed by the control unit 21a of the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A.
[0136] The channel conversion processing unit 44 of FIG. 11A
functions in the passive mode of the trainer function, and operates
as follows. The trainer signal transmitted from the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B is inputted into the channel
conversion processing unit 44 via the transmission channel 100. In
the first example, the trainer signal is assigned to the controlled
object of each channel according to the channel order set in the
radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B. Namely, in the
examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the control amount data of
aileron, elevator, throttle, rudder, gear, flap, 2.sup.nd aileron,
(reserve) are respectively assigned to CH1 to CH7 (CH8) of the
trainer signal, and transmitted.
[0137] When the trainer signal is inputted, the channel conversion
processing unit 44 refers the channel corresponding table 27c
stored in the memory 22a. The trainee side channels CH1 to CH8 of
the channel corresponding table 27c corresponds to CH1 to CH8 of
the trainer signal. Then, the channel conversion processing unit 44
recognizes the converted channel numbers indicated by the channel
corresponding table 27c in each of CH1 to CH8 of the inputted
trainer signal. Then, the channel conversion processing unit 44
assigns the control amount data of each of CH1 to CH8 of the
inputted trainer signal to the converted channel number. In a case
of the channel corresponding table 27c of FIG. 10, the control
amount data of CH1 of the inputted trainer signal is assigned to
CH4. Further, the control amount data of CH2 of the inputted
trainer signal is assigned to CH1. Similarly, the control amount
data of CH3 to CH8 of the inputted trainer signal are respectively
assigned to CH3, CH2, CH7, CH6, CH5, and CH8. In this way, the
channel conversion processing unit 44 of the first example converts
the channel numbers. Thus, the control amount data of each channel
of the trainer signal is converted to the control amount data of
the channels according to the channel order set in the radio
control transmitter for the trainer 1A. Then, the data of which
channel assignment is converted is transferred to the encoder 41
via the selector 42.
[0138] The encoder 41 encodes according to the converted channel
assignment data and generates the steering signal. FIG. 12
schematically shows an example of generating the steering signal.
FIG. 12(a) shows the trainer signal (PPM signal format) which is
inputted by the channel conversion processing unit 44. FIG. 12(b)
shows the steering signal which is generated by the encoder 41
corresponding to an input of the trainer signal of FIG. 12(a).
Incidentally, in this embodiment, the pilot signal is also in the
PPM signal format.
[0139] As described above, in the format of the trainer signal, the
control amount data of each channel is indicated by a pulse width.
Here, the pulse widths corresponding to CH1 to CH8 in the trainer
signal of FIG. 12(a) transmitted from the radio control transmitter
for the trainee 1B are respectively indicated by T1 to T8.
[0140] Based on the channel corresponding table 27c, as described
above, the data assigned to CH1 to CH8 of the trainer signal are
respectively assigned to CH2, CH4, CH3, CH1, CH7, CH6, CH5, and CH8
of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A. In the
steering signal of FIG. 12(b) attained by the encoder 41 encoding
according to this assignment, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the pulse
width of CH1 is the time T2. Namely, CH1 of the trainer signal
includes the pulse width the same as CH2 of the trainer signal.
This means that the control amount data of CH1 attained by the
operation of elevator at the radio control transmitter for the
trainee 1B is treated as the same control amount data of elevator
of CH4 in the steering signal transmitted from the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A.
[0141] Similarly, CH2 of the steering signal includes the pulse
width T4 the same as CH4 of the trainer signal. CH3 to CH8 of the
steering signal respectively include pulse widths T3, T1, T7, T6,
T5, T8 the same as CH3, CH1, CH7, CH6, CH5, and CH8 of the trainer
signal. Namely, the control amount data attained by operations of
rudder at CH4, throttle at CH3, aileron at CH1, 2'' aileron at CH7,
flap at CH6, gear at CH5, (and reserve at CH8) in the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B are treated as the data of the same
rudder, throttle, aileron, 2.sup.nd aileron, flap, gear, (and
reserve) at CH2 to CH7 (and CH8) in the steering signal.
[0142] When the steering signal generated in this way is
transmitted to the steered object, the servo and the like of the
steered object are properly driven according to the steering
operation on the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B.
Namely, the steered object is moved according to the steering
operation of the trainee on the radio control transmitter for the
trainee 1B.
[0143] Thus, in this embodiment, in response to the trainer signal
input from the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B, after
the channel conversion, in which the control amount data of each
channel is assigned to the channel of the radio control transmitter
for the trainer 1A associated with the same controlled object, is
performed, the steering signal is transmitted. In this way, even
when the channel orders of the radio control transmitters for the
trainer 1A and for the trainee 1B are different from each other,
the steered object correctly responds to the steering at the radio
control transmitter for the trainee 1B side.
[0144] Here, as previously explained with FIG. 9, for a proper
channel conversion operation of this embodiment, a user as an
operator needs to operate the channel assignment. However, this
assignment is done by only assigning the channel of the radio
control transmitter for the trainee 18 to the controlled object in
the channel order of the radio control transmitter for the trainer
1A. Therefore, it is a very simple operation in comparison with the
conventional channel order change.
[0145] In particular, when the channel order is changed, the
settings such as end point, fail safe, sub trim and the like of the
radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A also should be
changed. However, according to FIG. 11A, the channel order data 27a
is used by the encoder 41. Namely, the controls of end point, fail
safe, sub trim or the like set in the radio control transmitter for
the trainer 1A are performed by the encoder 41 corresponding to the
channel order of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A.
Similarly, the virtual channel control of the mixing function is
also performed by the encoder 41 corresponding to the channel order
of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A. Further,
according to the same FIG. 11A, the trainer signal is inputted into
the encoder 41 after the channel conversion by the channel
conversion processing unit 44. Further, in this embodiment, the
data of channel assign of the trainer signal reassigned
corresponding to the channel order of the radio control transmitter
for the trainer 1A is given to the encoder 41. Namely, the data
given to the encoder 41 is according to the channel order of the
radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A. Therefore, even in
the passive mode of the trainer function, the encoder 41 can encode
the inputted data as same as the steering signal attained by the
normal operation on the radio control transmitter for the trainer
1A, similar to the case that the trainer function is off. In this
way, in this embodiment, end point, fail safe, sub trim, and the
like are moved properly corresponding to the steering at the radio
control transmitter for the trainee 1B side, even in the passive
mode of the trainer function.
[0146] Further, in the above explanation, the radio control
transmitters for the trainer 1A and for the trainee 1B are the same
type. However, this configuration can be adopted to a case that the
types of the radio control transmitters for the trainer 1A and for
the trainee 1B are different from each other.
[0147] In this case, for example, the radio control transmitter for
the trainer 1A often is a higher class than the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B. The maximum channel number of the
higher class model tends to be larger. So, there is a high
possibility that the maximum channel number of the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B is fewer than that of the radio
control transmitter for the trainer 1A. However, even in this case,
according to the channel conversion function of this embodiment,
the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A can generate the
steering signal without storing operational data regarding the
channels which are not assigned to the radio control transmitter
for the trainee 1B. Namely, in this embodiment, the difference of
the channel numbers due to the difference of the model types may
not cause a problem.
[0148] [7-4. Channel Conversion Process Configuration in a Third
Mode (Mix Mode)]
[0149] Further, the channel conversion function of this embodiment
can be adapted not only to the second mode (function more) shown in
11A, but also to the third mode (mix mode). FIG. 11B shows a
structural example of a system in which the channel conversion
function as the first example is applied to the third mode. In this
figure, the same reference signs are used in the same parts as FIG.
5C, and any further explanation is emitted. The channel conversion
processing unit 44 of this case is inserted into a pre-stage of the
input of the trainer signal to the combiner 43. Therefore, in the
passive mode, the control amount data of each channel included in
the inputted trainer signal are reassigned to the channel according
to the channel order of the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A by the channel conversion processing unit 44. In this
way, for example, in the passive mode, when the steering signal is
not outputted from the operational signal generating unit 40 (when
the steering operation is not operated on the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A), the steering signal after the
channel conversion is properly outputted similar to the second mode
in FIG. 11A. Further, when the trainer operates on the radio
control transmitter for the trainer 1A for assistance, thereby, the
steering signal is outputted from the operational signal generating
unit 40, the combiner 43 properly combines the control amount data
attained by the operation on the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A with the control amount data based on the trainer signal
in the same controlled objects according to the channel order of
the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A.
[0150] Further, in a case that the first example of this embodiment
is applied to the third mode, because the data after the channel
conversion is inputted into the encoder 41, the optional functions
such as end point and the control of the virtual channel properly
function similar to the case that the first example is applied to
the second mode.
[0151] [7-5. Steering Signal Process Corresponding to the Channel
Conversion Process
[0152] In the previous explanation of FIG. 12, the steering data is
in the PPM signal format. A structural example of the transmitting
data as the PPM signal is shown in FIG. 13A. FIG. 13A shows one
frame of the transmitting data. When the radio control transmitter
1 of the present invention communicates, the one frame of the
transmitting data shown in FIG. 13A is transmitted and received in
a specific time interval. A configuration of the transmitting data
in a frame unit shown in FIG. 13A is sequentially composed of top
SYNC (synchronizing code), transmitter ID, channel data, and error
code. SYNC is a synchronizing code in the transmitting data in a
frame unit, and composed of a specific bit pattern with the
specific bit number. The transmitter ID receives an ID (identifier)
put on the radio control transmitter 1 which transmits this
transmitting data with the specific bit number. Channel data
receives the control amount data of each channel. In this
embodiment, because the channel number of the radio control
transmitter 1 is eight, as shown in FIG. 13(b), channel data is
composed of data of CH1 to CH8 sequentially. Incidentally, the data
of CH1 to CH8 respectively include specific fixed bit numbers which
indicate the control amounts. Error code is added for the sake of,
for example, error detection and error correction with regard to
the channel data.
[0153] When the transmitting data shown in 13(a)(b) is transmitted
as the steering data, in the passive mode, as previously explained
with FIGS. 11A and 11B, the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A of the first example of this embodiment execute the
channel convert of the inputted trainer signal with the channel
conversion processing unit 44, and send the control amount data to
the encoder 41 via the selector 42 or the combiner 43. In this
case, the encoder 41 receives the control amount data as the
channel data of CH1 to CH8 in the transmitting data according to
the channel numbers after the conversion. As a result, with
reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, CH2 data of the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B is stored in CH1 of the channel data
as shown in FIGS. 13(b) and 13(c). Similarly, the data in CH4, CH3,
CH1, CH7, CH6, CH5, and CH8 of the radio control transmitter for
the trainee 1B are respectively stored in CH2 to CH8 of the channel
data. Namely, each channel data in the radio control transmitter
for the trainee 1B is stored in the channel in the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A having the same controlled object.
Then, the encoder 41 transmits the transmitting data as the
steering signal. Thus, although the signal format is different, in
the trainer function, the steering signal correctly reflecting the
steering data of the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B
can be transmitted from the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A as same as the PPM signal format steering signal.
8. The Channel Conversion Function According to this Embodiment
A Second Example
[0154] Next, a configuration of a second example of the channel
conversion function of this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 14
shows an example of a system configuration of the radio control
transmitters for the trainer 1A and for the trainee 1B.
Incidentally, in this figure, the same reference signs are used in
the same parts as FIG. 8, and any further explanation is
emitted.
[0155] As shown in FIG. 14, in the second example, the memory 22a
of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A does not
include the channel corresponding table 27c. Instead, the memory
22b of the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B includes
the channel corresponding table 27e. Because the channel
corresponding table 27e is included in the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B, in the second example, the channel
assignment is done not by the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A but by the radio control transmitter for the trainee
1B.
[0156] However, as shown in FIG. 9, a user interface for the
channel assignment in the first example works as in each channel
number of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A
displayed on the trainer side setting contents display area 3a, the
channel number of the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B
is changed by the operation on the channel assignment operational
area 3b. Namely, based on the channel number of the radio control
transmitter for the trainer 1A, the channel number of the radio
control transmitter for the trainee 1B is assigned. This operation
mode is not bad when the channel assignment is done by the radio
control transmitter for the trainer 1A. However, when the channel
assignment is done by the radio control transmitter for the trainee
1B such as the second example, a user may be confused because the
base radio control transmitter and the objective radio control
transmitter are exchanged. So, contrary to the case in FIG. 9, in a
user interface for channel assignment in the second example,
preferably, based on the channel number of the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B, the channel number of the radio
control transmitter for the trainer 1A is assigned. For example, as
an operational screen of the second example, instead of the trainer
side setting contents display area 3a in FIG. 9, a trainee side
setting contents display area is displayed showing the relationship
between the channel number of the radio control transmitter for the
trainee 1B and the controlled object. On that basis, in the right
side channel assignment operational area 3b, the channel number of
the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A associated with
the same controlled object is assigned to each of CH1 to CH8 in the
trainee side setting contents display area.
[0157] The contents of the channel corresponding table 27e
generated by the above channel assignment operation is
substantially the same as the channel corresponding table 27c of
the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A in the first
example. For example, when the channel orders of the radio control
transmitters for the trainer 1A and for the trainee 1B are those
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, resultingly, the channel corresponding
table 27e is the same as the table shown in FIG. 10.
[0158] Next, in the second example, the radio control transmitter
for the trainee 1B operates the channel conversion process
corresponding to the steering operation using the channel
corresponding table 27e stored in the memory 22a. Then, the radio
control transmitter for the trainee 1B transmits the channel
converted trainer signal to the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A.
[0159] FIG. 15 shows a functional structural example corresponding
to the channel conversion function in the radio control transmitter
for the trainee 1B. As shown in FIG. 15, the steering signal
outputted from the operational signal generating unit 40 is firstly
inputted into the channel conversion processing unit 44
corresponding to the steering operation on the operating unit 26b
of the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B. The channel
conversion processing unit 44 firstly recognizes the channel number
(trainee side channel number) corresponding to the inputted
operational signal under the channel order of the trainee side set
in the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B with regard to
the operational unit corresponding to the inputted operational
signal. Next, with reference to the channel corresponding table
27e, the converted channel number assigned to the recognized
trainee side channel number, namely, the channel number associated
with the same controlled object in the channel order of the radio
control transmitter for the trainer 1A is identified. Then, the
inputted operational signal is associated with the identified
converted channel number, and sent to a trainer signal
corresponding encoder 45.
[0160] The trainer signal corresponding encoder 45 converts the
operational signal into the control amount data, and assigns the
control amount data (operational data) into the channel the same as
the associated converted channel number among the channels of the
trainer signal. In the trainer signal generated in this way, the
control amount data in each of the controlled objects attained by
the steering operation on the radio control transmitter for the
trainee 1B is already converted into the data according to the
channel order of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A.
This trainer signal is transmitted from the radio control
transmitter for the trainee 1B via the transmission channel 100 to
the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A.
[0161] In this case, at the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A side, there is no need to operate the channel conversion
process corresponding to the inputted trainer signal. Namely, it is
unnecessary for the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A to
include the channel conversion processing unit 44 such as FIGS. 11A
and 11B. In this case, the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A can output the inputted trainer signal in any one of the
first mode (normal mode), the second mode (function mode), and the
third mode (mix mode) shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C.
[0162] For example, when the radio control transmitter for the
trainer 1A is set in the passive mode of the trainer function in
any one of the second mode (function mode) or the third mode (mix
mode) shown in FIG. 5B or 5C, the trainer signal is inputted into
the encoder 41 via the selector 42 or the combiner 43, converted
into the steering signal, and outputted. Accordingly, similar to
the first example, in the passive mode also, for example,
parameters of the options such as end point, fail safe, and sub
trim are valid. Further, in the mixing function, the control of the
virtual channel is also valid.
[0163] On the other hand, when the first mode (normal mode) shown
in FIG. 5A is set, the trainer signal is outputted as the steering
signal not via the encoder 41. Therefore, the option functions and
the control of the virtual channel are not valid. However, in the
second example, when the radio control transmitter for the trainee
1B outputs the trainer signal, the assignment of the control amount
in each controlled object corresponding to the channels of the
trainer signal is already according to the channel order of the
radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A. Therefore, in the
first mode, the steering signal corresponding to the trainer signal
is according to the channel order of the radio control transmitter
for the trainer 1A, and includes the control amount data of each
channel. Accordingly, in the second example, in a case that the
radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A is moved in the first
mode, when the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B
operates aileron, the aileron of the steered object is properly
moved according to the control amount corresponding to the aileron
operation. Namely, a basic action according to the object of the
present invention that the steered object is properly moved
according to the operation on the radio control transmitter for the
trainee 1B is assured.
[0164] Incidentally, in the explanation described above, the
channel assignment setting between the radio control transmitters
for the trainer 1A and for the trainee 1B in each of the common
controlled object is manually done using the operational screen
shown in FIG. 9. However, the channel assignment may be
automatically done as follows. In the first example, for example,
when the communication is established via the transmission channel
100, the channel order of the radio control transmitter for the
trainee 1B is transmitted from the radio control transmitter for
the trainee 1B to the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A
via the transmission channel 100. The radio control transmitter for
the trainer 1A assigns the channel of the radio control transmitter
for the trainee 1B to the channel of the radio control transmitter
for the trainer 1A associated with the same controlled object using
the received channel order. Then, according to the channel
assignment result, the channel corresponding table 27c is generated
and stored in the memory 22a. In the second example, the channel
order of the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A is
transmitted from the radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A
to the radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B. The radio
control transmitter for the trainee 1B assigns the channel of the
radio control transmitter for the trainer 1A to the channel of the
radio control transmitter for the trainee 1B associated with the
same controlled object using the received channel order. Then,
according to the channel assignment result, the channel
corresponding table 27e is generated and stored in the memory
22b.
[0165] Further, in the above explanation, the PPM signal or the
configuration shown in FIG. 13 are used as the signal format.
However, the present invention is not limited to these. Other
signal format can be used as long as the control amount data of
each channel can be assigned.
[0166] Further, in the above explanation, the steered object is a
flying object. In reality, the trainer function is much needed when
the steered object is a flying object. However, this embodiment can
be used in the steered objects other than the flying object (for
example, a model car, a model ship or the like).
[0167] Although the present invention has been fully described by
way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is
to be understood that various changes and modifications will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise
such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present
invention hereinafter defined, they should be construed as being
included therein.
* * * * *